Music festival, street party hits Folsom

Telegraph file photoDancers kick up their heels to country tuns on Wool Street during Folsom Live last year.

Put simply, Folsom Live is an outdoor music festival, but it’s become much more. Over its 15-year history, Folsom Live has grown into a regional “must-attend” event.
On Sept. 26 historic Sutter Street will be converted into a concert venue hosting 12 bands on 10 stages. The Folsom Chamber of Commerce produces Folsom Live, working most of the year to recruit some of the best entertainment in the area.
Performers range from country to rock and roll and include multiple tribute acts.
The bands will start at 5 p.m. on indoor and outdoor stages up and down Sutter Street. The four outdoor stages are located along the 600-900 block.
The outdoor stages are located near the Powerhouse Pub, The Hacienda, at the front of the chamber building on Wool Street and behind the chamber building at the railroad turn-around.
Although the two stages located near the chamber are close together, the stages are engineered to eliminate noise bleed said Marcia Durst, Folsom Live volunteer.
“The slope on Wool Street creates a natural amphitheater,” she said. “The change in elevation and the trains make for great acoustics.”
The music will stop at 10 p.m., but some restaurants and bars will stay open, taking the party inside.
Folsom Live is also an opportunity to explore the historic district after dark.
“It’s a great way to spend the afternoon and evening,” said Kris Keables, another Folsom Live volunteer. “You can wander from block to block listening to all kinds of music.”
The nature of the event allows thousands of people to walk around Sutter Street, visiting the restaurants, businesses and bars.
New this year is a food court, located at the corner of Wool and Sutter streets. They will offer food ranging from pizza to barbecue. Snook’s Candies and Ice Cream will also be open.
Not only will food and music be readily accessible, so will transportation. A shuttle will be running every 15 minutes from the Wal-Mart parking lot on Riley Street. “It’s a stress-free way to get to Folsom Live,” Keables said. “There isn’t battling parking and wandering through neighborhoods.”
Regional Transit offers free light rail transportation with Folsom Live ticket.
Folsom live tickets cost $30 in advance and $35 at the door. There is also a $5 discount coupon available at the Folsom Auto Mall and a four-ticket fun pack available for $99 from the chamber.
Those staying in select hotels during Folsom Live receive two free tickets to the event. Participating hotels include Lake Natoma Inn, located within walking distance of the event, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott and The Residence Inn. Larkspur Landing Hotel is offering special room rates for the weekend. Hotel rates and information can be found at folsomlive.net.
In addition to live entertainment, there will be a vintage car show and laser light show.
The Folsom Breakout Car show is hosted by the Folsom Rotary and will feature approximately 100 cars, including civilian submissions.
The laser light show will begin at sundown along the back of the historic buildings.
For more information, visit folsomlive.com.